Two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis of Aedes aegypti mosquito fat body proteins during a gonotropic cycle

We have used two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to examine changes in the relative abundance and diversity of non-secreted proteins in Aedes aegypti fat body preparations during a reproductive cycle. Electroph oretic profiles were evaluated at four time points after eclosion, and at f ive time points after a blood meal. In contrast to the dramatic changes in abundance of specific secreted proteins such as vitellogenin, our results s how that the complement of proteins internal to the fat body remains relati vely constant during the mosquito reproductive cycle. Of the approximately 5-10% of proteins that do change in abundance, the majority undergo a drama tic decrease within 24 hours after eclosion.